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WRITTEN ON 18/09/2019. COPYRIGHTED BY KORURE TEAM. 4 MINUTES READ


The upside to being a parent and having arthritis is that you already know what your weak spots are. You’re already a step ahead of the parenting game.


An article on creaky joints by Charlotte Hilton Andersen says “Rule number one of being a parent with a chronic illness: Keep your sense of humour handy.” We couldn’t agree more.


However, being a parent is hard. Those early mornings and middle of the night crying alarms, attending sport matches on the weekends and just running around and caring for your child can be overwhelming and tiring. Now imagine doing all that with joint pain and soreness.


As mentioned in our article on ‘The arthritis dilemma’, the side effect of arthritis can be loss of sleep. Being a parent and having arthritis may result in no sleep. Some parents might not be able to support their children as much as they would like. However, this doesn’t make you a bad parent. A study done by the Arthritis Research Centre of Canada found that mothers with arthritis are just as satisfied in their parenting role as mothers who do not have arthritis, although the former has some physical difficulties caring for their child.


However, despite the pain, you can make Arthritis and Parenting easy. We present to you some tips that can be helpful to make your everyday life a little easier and a little happier: 


1. Get a handicapped pass
Don’t think about what others will say or think about you. It is a lifesaver and is primarily made to help you.


2. Use motorized scooters and shuttles
It makes movement easy and fast, especially when a lot of walking is involved.


3. Educate your children about arthritis and how it may limit you sometimes
Children are curious and love to ask questions. Use this to teach them about what you’re facing and how to deal with it. This might take away their fear of seeing you in pain.


4. Don’t hide your pain
We know that as parents, you do not want your children to be burdened with what is bothering you. However, it can be better for them to know what you’re going through rather than to see you in pain and be scared.


5. Let your children do the small things that maybe hard for you
This can spare you the effort of doing something that is uncomfortable, while teaching your children to do those little things that might come in handy later in life. For example, teaching your children how to tie their own shoe laces early on.


6. Focus on the good things that your children are learning
You shouldn’t dwell on the things that your children are missing out on because of your disease. Always be an optimist and try to focus on the good things that they are learning. It could help them be more considerate towards other people and have an understanding on things that some people don’t.


To find out more, visit https://www.everydayhealth.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/living-with/juggling-arthritis-and-family/